The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness

The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness

Is there a secret to happiness? Beloved comedian Paula Poundstone conducts a series of “thoroughly scientific” experiments, offering herself up as a guinea pig and recording her data for the benefit of all humankind. Armed with her unique brand of self-deprecating wit and the scientific method, in each chapter Paula tries out a different get-happy hypothesis: She gets in shape with taekwondo. She cleans up with a professional organizer. She communes with nature while camping with her daughter. Swing dancing? Meditation? Volunteering? Does any of it bring her happiness? And more importantly, can the happiness last when she’s back in her daily life with kids, chores, and work?

Paula Poundstone has been a stand-up comic for over 30 years. She is a regular panelist on NPR's #1 show, Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me! and she recently voiced the character of Forgetter Paula in the Disney Pixar Oscar winning film Inside Out. Her successes include HBO and Bravo specials, and an American Comedy Award for Best Female Stand-Up.